Just Outside Cheyenne: Your Guide to Curt Gowdy State Park!

Before winter arrives and the first snow touches the plains, there’s still plenty of time to get outside and soak in Cheyenne, Wyoming’s natural beauty. While the city is known for its cowboys, rodeo roots, fine dining, museums, and shopping, Curt Gowdy State Park sits just beyond the city limits. It offers a completely different kind of adventure; one marked by miles of trails, placid lakes, and wide‑open Wyoming spaces.

Curt Gowdy State Park
1264 Granite Springs Rd.
Cheyenne, WY 82009

Tucked between Cheyenne and Laramie, Curt Gowdy State Park is a quick 24 mile drive from Cheyenne’s center. A playground for anyone who loves fresh air and the outdoors, this state park offers a little bit of everything: winding hiking trails, scenic campsites, excellent fishing conditions for rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon, as well as expansive horseback riding paths. In addition, there are exciting recreational opportunities like kayaking, canoeing, archery, hunting, mountain biking, and so much more. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on a new trail, test your outdoor know-how on a backpacking excursion, or simply unplug for a quiet afternoon by the lake, Curt Gowdy has it.

Curt Gowdy State Park: Continuing a Legacy

Covering 3,395 acres and more than 35 miles of well‑marked trails, Curt Gowdy State Park was officially established as a state park in 1971. Originally named Granite State Park, it was renamed Curt Gowdy State Park in 1972 in honor of famed Cheyenne sportscaster Curt Gowdy. Since its inception, Curt Gowdy State Park has been a flourishing hub for seasoned outdoorsmen and newcomers alike. Featuring twelve campgrounds, three reservoirs (Granite Springs, Crystal, and Upper North Crow), and a bike trail system that has earned the title “Epic” from the International Mountain Bicycling Association, Curt Gowdy State Park is a must‑see destination when visiting Cheyenne.

Know Before You Go

Park admission is $7 for Wyoming residents and $12 for non‑residents (per vehicle). The park is open 24 hours a day, with the park headquarters open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. While not all campgrounds require reservations, some do, so it’s important to check the Curt Gowdy State Park website for any closures, road updates, necessary permits and fees, and reservation information before planning your trip.

Visit Cheyenne

Cheyenne is more than just its Wild West reputation. Curt Gowdy is just one way to get outside while you’re in Cheyenne. Back in town, you’ll find locally owned restaurants and breweries, museums, public art, shopping, live events, and plenty of Western character without feeling stuck in the past.

Spend the morning on the trail, grab a drink downtown that afternoon, and see where the day takes you. Around here, fresh air comes first. Plans can come after. Start planning your next adventure today!

Last Updated on 10/15/2026 by Taryn Cantrell

About the Author:

Taryn Cantrell

Biography:

Taryn Cantrell is an Arizona native with a lifelong connection to the rodeo arena. From her roots in barrel racing to her role as the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen and her involvement with the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, Taryn celebrates her western heritage with enthusiasm and authenticity. Taryn holds a degree in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University, allowing her to merge her passion for music with her love of cowboy culture. As a singer and bassist, Taryn performs with bands across Phoenix and beyond including Great American Regret, Honey Marie Knight, and Sareena Dominguez. Taryn is passionate about blending her diverse interests to offer an authentic and engaging perspective on journalism. Her goal is to connect readers to the events, concerts, and celebrations that matter most, bringing them closer to the experiences she treasures. Whether you’re attending your very first rodeo or adding another to your collection of memories, Taryn is here to guide you every step of the way!

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